Brake fluid level? - SV650.org

11-03-12, 07:40 PM

Hi,

My brake fluid on the front is running low, but as I start to brake the fluid from the reservoir seems to almost all but disappear, is this normal and just because the fluid is low?

Thanks

Sid Squid · 11-03-12, 07:54 PM

It's a liquid - when you brake it runs to the front*.

If it's below the line when the reservoir is perfectly level, (in both planes), top it up.

*PS. When you're braking stop looking at the brake cylinder - watch where you're going.

11-03-12, 07:58 PM

Thanks, I did think that.

It was one of them things, it caught my eye and I could'nt help notice it all the time.

This might be a bit of a dumb question but do I need to bleed the whole system or is topping it up fine.

Sid Squid · 11-03-12, 08:06 PM

No, as long as the level hasn't dropped below the minimum and there's no question of air having entered the system, it can just be topped up. That said, if the fluid is old or the age is unknown complete replacement is advisable. Particularly as brake fluid is so cheap.

Bear in mind that low fluid is often a sign of worn brake pads.

embee · 11-03-12, 09:49 PM

Worth just mentioning that to top it up you remove the cover and then remove the rubber diaphragm to get to the fluid, it has been known for some folk to add fluid into the diaphragm not into the reservoir!

Remember that brake fluid is very harmful to painted surfaces, always cover up the surrounding paintwork with rag in case of spillage or drips. Have a sponge and some water handy in case of spillage, wash it off paintwork as soon as possible and it'll be OK.

As Sid says, it's recommended to change brake fluid now ansd again as it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and generally gets contaminated (even though the system is "sealed"). Change it every couple of years ideally (or sooner).

11-03-12, 09:51 PM

Thank you both for your help. Im quite a newbie to bikes so just want to get it all right.

11-03-12, 07:40 PM	#1
super mario Guest Posts: n/a	Brake fluid level? Hi, My brake fluid on the front is running low, but as I start to brake the fluid from the reservoir seems to almost all but disappear, is this normal and just because the fluid is low? Thanks

11-03-12, 07:54 PM	#2
Sid Squid No, I don't lend tools. Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Skunk Works, Nth London Posts: 8,680	Re: brake reservoir It's a liquid - when you brake it runs to the front. If it's below the line when the reservoir is perfectly level, (in both planes), top it up. PS. When you're braking stop looking at the brake cylinder - watch where you're going. __________________ If an SV650 has a flat tyre in the forest and no-one is there to blow it up, how long will it be 'til someone posts that the reg/rec is duff and the world will end unless a CBR unit is fitted? A little bit of knowledge = a dangerous thing. "a deathless anthem of nuclear-strength romantic angst"

11-03-12, 07:58 PM	#3
super mario Guest Posts: n/a	Re: brake reservoir Thanks, I did think that. It was one of them things, it caught my eye and I could'nt help notice it all the time. This might be a bit of a dumb question but do I need to bleed the whole system or is topping it up fine.

11-03-12, 08:06 PM	#4
Sid Squid No, I don't lend tools. Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Skunk Works, Nth London Posts: 8,680	Re: Brake fluid level? No, as long as the level hasn't dropped below the minimum and there's no question of air having entered the system, it can just be topped up. That said, if the fluid is old or the age is unknown complete replacement is advisable. Particularly as brake fluid is so cheap. Bear in mind that low fluid is often a sign of worn brake pads. __________________ If an SV650 has a flat tyre in the forest and no-one is there to blow it up, how long will it be 'til someone posts that the reg/rec is duff and the world will end unless a CBR unit is fitted? A little bit of knowledge = a dangerous thing. "a deathless anthem of nuclear-strength romantic angst"

11-03-12, 09:49 PM	#5
embee Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 2,804	Re: Brake fluid level? Worth just mentioning that to top it up you remove the cover and then remove the rubber diaphragm to get to the fluid, it has been known for some folk to add fluid into the diaphragm not into the reservoir! Remember that brake fluid is very harmful to painted surfaces, always cover up the surrounding paintwork with rag in case of spillage or drips. Have a sponge and some water handy in case of spillage, wash it off paintwork as soon as possible and it'll be OK. As Sid says, it's recommended to change brake fluid now ansd again as it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and generally gets contaminated (even though the system is "sealed"). Change it every couple of years ideally (or sooner). __________________ "Artificial Intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"

11-03-12, 09:51 PM	#6
super mario Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Brake fluid level? Thank you both for your help. Im quite a newbie to bikes so just want to get it all right.

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